10+ Best Sci Fi Books for 13-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the hunt for the perfect escape into other worlds and futuristic adventures? Look no further! Our curated selection of Sci Fi books for 13-year-olds is packed with thrilling stories that spark imagination and inspire wonder. Whether your young reader is a seasoned sci-fi fan or just dipping their toes into the genre, there's something here that will capture their interest. Keep reading to discover our top picks that are sure to entertain and engage!

Fun Sci Fi Books for 13-Year-Olds

• Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Young Adult
  • Synopsis: The novel follows young Ender Wiggin as he is recruited and trained to lead humanity's fleet against an alien species known as the Formics. Ender struggles with isolation and the pressures of command in a military school in space.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a gripping tale that explores complex themes such as leadership, ethics in warfare, and the impact of isolation on personal development, making it a thought-provoking read for young teens.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in military strategy, leadership, and space.

• The Giver by Lois Lowry
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Dystopian
  • Synopsis: This story is set in a seemingly utopian society where everyone conforms to rules that eliminate pain and emotional depth from life. Twelve-year-old Jonas is selected to inherit the position of Receiver of Memories, and he learns the dark secrets that underpin his community's existence.
  • Why we recommend this book: It introduces young readers to the concept of dystopia, encouraging them to question and think critically about the importance of memory, emotion, and individuality.
  • Perfect for: Teens who enjoy thought-provoking narratives and exploring philosophical questions.

• A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: Meg Murry, her brother Charles Wallace, and their friend Calvin O'Keefe embark on a journey across dimensions to save Meg's father from an evil force that threatens the universe.
  • Why we recommend this book: The novel blends elements of fantasy and science fiction, providing a thrilling adventure that also deals with complex issues like the battle between good and evil.
  • Perfect for: Readers who love adventures that combine science, fantasy, and strong character development.

• The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Dystopian, Adventure
  • Synopsis: In a dystopian future, teenager Katniss Everdeen volunteers to participate in the Hunger Games, a televised competition in which participants must fight to the death, in order to save her sister from the same fate.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fast-paced, suspenseful novel that explores themes of survival, authoritarianism, and the media's influence on society, which are engaging and relevant for young readers.
  • Perfect for: Teens interested in thrilling survival stories and critical thinking about social issues.

• The City of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Dystopian
  • Synopsis: In a city shrouded in perpetual darkness, two young residents, Lina and Doon, discover clues that could lead them to the outside world they've never seen and begin to unravel the mysteries surrounding their city's origins.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a unique setting and a mystery that keeps readers engaged, encouraging problem-solving and perseverance.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy mysteries and stories about adventurous quests.

Educational Sci Fi Books for 13-Year-Olds

• The House of the Scorpion by Nancy Farmer
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Young Adult
  • Synopsis: This novel is set in the future, where a young clone named Matt struggles to find his identity and humanity in a society that views him as less than human.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Ethical reasoning, identity exploration, understanding of biotechnology
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a compelling exploration of complex themes such as cloning, personal freedom, and the nature of the soul.
  • Perfect for: Teens interested in science fiction that deals with ethical dilemmas and personal identity.

• Skyward by Brandon Sanderson
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Space Opera
  • Synopsis: Spensa dreams of becoming a pilot and proving her bravery. However, her father's legacy as a coward complicates her path, leading her to uncover the mysteries of her world and her family.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Courage and resilience, problem-solving, understanding of aerospace concepts
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines thrilling aerial battles with a deep story about overcoming societal stigma and personal growth.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love stories about flying, space battles, and overcoming odds.

• Sal and Gabi Break the Universe by Carlos Hernandez
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Humor
  • Synopsis: Sal Vidon, a talented young magician, meets Gabi Reál, and together they discover how to manipulate the multiverse to change their realities, which leads to unexpected consequences.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Creative problem-solving, understanding of multiverse theory, cultural diversity
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fun, imaginative story that combines humor with thought-provoking ideas about reality and the universe.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy stories with a mix of science, humor, and diverse characters.

• Have Space Suit—Will Travel by Robert A. Heinlein
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Kip Russell wins a space suit in a contest and inadvertently ends up on an adventure across the solar system that tests his skills and determination.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Technical knowledge of space technology, resilience, adventure problem-solving
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a classic science fiction adventure that inspires curiosity about space travel and the challenges associated with it.
  • Perfect for: Teens who dream of space and enjoy tales of adventure and ingenuity.

• The Ear, the Eye, and the Arm by Nancy Farmer
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, African Futurism
  • Synopsis: In 2194 in Zimbabwe, three children of a wealthy General escape from their strict home and find themselves across a futuristic African landscape, pursued by detectives with unusual abilities.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Cultural awareness, futuristic thinking, strategic thinking
  • Why we recommend this book: It blends African culture with futuristic elements, offering a unique perspective not often seen in young adult science fiction.
  • Perfect for: Young readers interested in science fiction with a cultural twist and adventurous plots.

Challenging Sci Fi Books for 13-Year-Olds

• Dune by Frank Herbert
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Epic
  • Synopsis: Set in a distant future amidst a huge interstellar empire, where a young nobleman, Paul Atreides, inherits the stewardship of a dangerous desert planet known as Arrakis, the only source of the most valuable substance in the universe.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features complex themes such as politics, religion, and ecology, woven through intricate plots and a vast array of characters.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a detailed and immersive universe that challenges readers to think about power, responsibility, and survival.
  • Perfect for: Advanced readers who enjoy deep, thought-provoking narratives and complex world-building.

• Neuromancer by William Gibson
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Cyberpunk
  • Synopsis: The novel follows Case, a washed-up computer hacker who is hired by a mysterious employer for one last job, which brings him into a vast network of corporate intrigue, artificial intelligence, and cyber enhancements.
  • Why this book is challenging: Its narrative includes dense, innovative jargon and a non-linear storyline that requires careful reading and interpretation.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a foundational cyberpunk novel that explores themes of artificial intelligence and human augmentation, pushing readers to consider the implications of advanced technology on society.
  • Perfect for: Teens interested in technology and complex plots.

• Foundation by Isaac Asimov
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Space Opera
  • Synopsis: This epic saga chronicles the fall of a Galactic Empire and the group of scientists who seek to shorten the ensuing dark ages with the science of psychohistory.
  • Why this book is challenging: It deals with advanced scientific concepts and societal evolution, requiring readers to engage with theories of psychology and future history.
  • Why we recommend this book: It introduces grand-scale science fiction storytelling, with profound ideas about civilization and the future.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who are fascinated by science and epic tales of future societies.

• Hyperion by Dan Simmons
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Space Opera
  • Synopsis: On the eve of Armageddon with the entire galaxy at war, seven pilgrims set forth on a voyage to the planet Hyperion and share their tales of what brought them there.
  • Why this book is challenging: The novel's structure is influenced by "The Canterbury Tales," and it features complex language and multiple storylines that interweave various themes.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a richly crafted narrative with deep philosophical questions and a multi-layered plot.
  • Perfect for: Advanced young readers who appreciate intricate storytelling and epic science fiction.

• The Left Hand of Darkness by Ursula K. Le Guin
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Speculative Fiction
  • Synopsis: The story is set on a planet called Gethen, where an envoy from the human galactic community tries to persuade the androgynous people of Gethen to join the interstellar collective. The envoy, Genly Ai, navigates complex social customs and political intrigue.
  • Why this book is challenging: It explores themes of gender and politics through a narrative that challenges conventional perceptions of society and identity.
  • Why we recommend this book: This novel is celebrated for its radical take on gender and its profound insights into humanity.
  • Perfect for: Readers who are looking for a deeply thought-provoking story that challenges societal norms.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into the world of sci-fi books and you're around 13 years old, you're in for a thrilling adventure. To make the most out of your reading experience, here are some exercises that can help develop your reading habits. These will not only enhance your understanding but also make your reading time more enjoyable. Let’s get started!

• Set Reading Goals
  • What it is: Decide how much time you'll spend reading each day or how many pages you'll read.
  • How it helps: Helps you stay focused and build a consistent reading habit.
  • Tips: Start with small, achievable goals to avoid feeling overwhelmed.

• Create a Reading Space
  • What it is: Designate a specific area in your home as your reading nook.
  • How it helps: Enhances concentration and makes your reading time special.
  • Tips: Make sure it’s quiet, cozy, and has good lighting.

• Discuss What You Read
  • What it is: Talk about the book with friends or family members who are interested.
  • How it helps: Improves comprehension and retention of the material.
  • Tips: Try forming a small book club where everyone reads the same book.

• Map the Story
  • What it is: Draw a map or timeline of the events in the story.
  • How it helps: Helps you visualize and remember the plot and settings.
  • Tips: Use colors and symbols to mark important events or characters.

• Predict the Next Chapter
  • What it is: Before you start a new chapter, guess what might happen next.
  • How it helps: Engages your imagination and analytical skills.
  • Tips: Write down your predictions and check how many were right as you read.

• Connect with Authors
  • What it is: Follow the authors of your favorite books on social media or attend book talks.
  • How it helps: Provides insights into the author's thoughts and writing process.
  • Tips: Prepare questions you might want to ask if you get a chance to meet or interact online.

• Keep a Reading Journal
  • What it is: Maintain a journal to note down thoughts and favorite quotes from the books.
  • How it helps: Helps establish a routine and keep track of progress.
  • Tips: Make it a habit of filling out the journal every day.

These exercises are designed to make your journey through sci-fi books more engaging and productive. Remember, the key to developing great reading habits is consistency. So, pick a couple of these exercises that excite you the most and start incorporating them into your daily reading routine. Happy reading!